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First ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards launches to celebrate independent cycle retailers

1 Apr 2026

An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities launches this week.
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February retail sales dip signals growing consumer anxiety, warns ACT parent company Bira

30 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that falling retail sales in February are an early sign of consumers reining in their spending amid growing economic uncertainty.
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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

Independent retailers warn Spring Statement missed opportunity as geopolitical tensions threaten high street recovery

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy... Read more…

Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local... Read more…

Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've... Read more…

Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
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What can help retailers stand out?

Posted on in Business News

It is already widely recognised that delivery services and multiple options can help a retailer stand out against their competition.

But, there are elements within this area that can make all the difference.

According to the MetaPack 2018 State of Ecommerce Delivery Consumer Research Report, free delivery, collection options and the environment are the elements that make all the difference.

customer support 

By questioning 3,597 consumers from seven countries including the UK, France, Germany and the US, they found that:

  • Free delivery is a top priority for 62% of shoppers, with 49% of the 2,230 people saying that they no longer expect to pay for standard delivery.
  • 75% of the consumers say that they have bought products to qualify for free delivery.
  • Shoppers are prepared to pay for faster delivery with 70% of the consumers saying they would pay extra for services such as one-hour, same day and Sunday deliveries.
  • 44% of the 3597 say they are tempted to try out new delivery options and take advantage of click and collect.
  • Although the rise in eco-friendly delivery is growing slowly, there is a budding interest in delivery options that consider the environment such as consolidated delivery. More than a quarter (26%) and steadily rising to 41% in the US say they care about how their online deliveries contributed to increased carbon emissions. Consumers noted that they were aware of the environment as an issue with deliveries (62% in France, 60% in the Netherlands and 56% in Germany) with 35% of those consumers saying they would prefer to have their deliveries consolidated due to environmental concerns.
  • Almost half of the 3597 respondents have made overseas purchases with expensive delivery, slow delivery and paying for delivery features of their purchases. Consumers (83%) said that they check for extra charges and 40% of them will abandon their basket due to unexpected charges.

support 

Considering these three elements and adding features to online delivery may push you ahead of your competitors.

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